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She is 91 and Fights for the Old
By Radha Sharma, The Times of India
June 10, 2004
Jai Shri Krishna, ben, the old greet her at the Jeevan Sandhya Old Age Home in Naranpura. Some even touch her feet, much to her embarrassment.
"The respect these people show me at times get a trifle embarrassing," says Veerbala Nagarwadia, a blush visible on her 91-year-old cheeks as she gets down to the business of managing the day-to-day affairs of looking after over 200 senior citizens in the old-age home.
Right from the menu for dinner for the seniors to servicing of the water purifier, Veerbala gives personal attention to everything related to daily administration.
"One cannot afford to be lethargic about day-to-day administration. This institution is famous across the state for the facilities provided to the old. All this does not come without pain. You have to sweat it out to make life easy for these inmates," says Veerbalaben, who puts in at least six hours of work at the institution everyday. Even at 91 !
It was in 1976 that this freedom-fighter took on the task of running homes for the destitute and the aged. "My husband's friend Samartha Vaidya had started an old-age home and I used to help him with the kitchen. Later, I was made the managing trustee and took to full-time managing the home," says Veerbala.
In the initial days, people did not take kindly to the idea of running an old-age home. "People used to abuse us and even stone us accusing us that we were teaching sons to kick their parents out. We were accused of breaking families," reminisces Veerbala, who concedes that times have changed and so have sentiments towards old-age homes that are now regarded as doing a great service to society.
"Society has changed so much and things have taken a turn for the worse. In many homes, parents and children do not want to stay together," says Veerbala, as she cites the example of at least five aged people waiting to be admitted in her institution.
"It is not always the fault of the children, the old are also to blame in many cases for they do not refrain from interfering in their childrens' lives. At one point, you should acknowledge that they are looking after you well and be content," says Veerbala, who counsels both the old and their children.
Veerbala tries hard to look after the old. There are prayer sessions in the morning, bookreading, daily work and even picnics that may include a trip to a religious place or the local cinema hall to watch movies like 'Munnabhai
MBBS.'
"I try to bring some happiness in their lives...for many of them just go on living a staid life without even a relative paying them a customary visit. There was a woman who would go on talking about her son, daughter-in-law and other family members," says Veerbala,who confesses that she has never seen a son or a daughter take their parents back from the institution. Veerbala says that she has learned quite a few lessons from her constant interaction with the old and their families.
"I believe that one should adjust in a family. Probably, it is because of this that despite my entire family being based in the US, my son and daughter-in-law do not wish to settle there," says Veerbala with a glint of pride in her eyes as gets back to the business of making life easier for the those who may not be as lucky.
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